THERE WAS a spring in the step of Green Party Ministers and supporters when they met for their annual conference in Dundalk at the weekend. Even a downturn in the economy could not disguise their quiet relief at the voluntary departure of Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach. A great political weight had lifted and they were free to celebrate their participation in Government and their plans for the future.
Party leader and Minister for the Environment John Gormley declared it "the best conference yet" and looked forward to the creation of a better, fairer society and the safeguarding of a healthy environment. The days of bad and irresponsible planning were over, he told an enthusiastic audience, and Green Ministers were playing their part in preparing to counteract climate change and reduce carbon emissions. It was all positive, ambitious stuff. And the delegates loved it. But much of what was promised was at planning stage and had not been formally approved by Government. In that context, the attitude of taoiseach-designate Brian Cowen to the ambitions of his junior partners will be hugely important.
The determination of Green Ministers to make a difference is not in doubt. They have set out an ambitious agenda in relation to local government reform, protection of air and water quality, carbon emissions, an increase in organic food production and development of alternative energy sources. But, as Mr Gormley admitted, the country is entering uncertain economic times and it will take incisive judgement, hard work, luck and dedication to bring about their objectives.
Having had a disappointing general election, in which it retained its six seats, the Green Party stuck with its determination to become a party of government. It switched focus from Fine Gael and Labour and negotiated a deal with Fianna Fail. The terms of that programme were not particularly favourable and were sold to members as "a work in progress", with more developments to come.
It was a brave tactic at a time of transition, made effective by the resignation of Trevor Sargent. And it served to attract new members. With local and European elections due to be held next year, however, voting transfers from all sources will be vital. Reaching out for those votes, Mr Gormley indicated he would be pleased to share government with the main opposition parties in the future.
It was a confident, well-managed conference for an organisation that has struggled to present a professional image in the past. When Mr Gormley chose to ignore the upcoming Lisbon Treaty in favour of criticising Chinese activities in Tibet, most delegates were pleased by the diversion. And, in the aftermath of Mr Ahern's resignation statement, a call for tribunals to root out every morsel of corruption in Irish life reassured them. Those aspects of the conference showed how far the leadership had come in terms of party management. It will, however, be some time before its effectiveness in bringing about fundamental change can be judged.